LocostUSA.com

jmartin
Think of plus sized frames like plus sized women.

Basically the same but bigger.

+4 usually means width across the cockpit
+442 is +4 wider, +4 longer (in the cockpit), and +2 higher
(usually to accomidate lager builders, bigger feet, or bigger engines)

Check here...
http://www.mcsorley.net/locost/drawings.htm
Use the Mcsorely plans versus the book plans the measurements are more accurate. (Some people credit the book with being just wrong or purposely vauge)
also research "Aussie mods" for extra strength

_________________
I'll keep an eye out for you!

To err is human...
I am more human than most.

It is all explained here:

http://www.mcsorley.net/locost/

I've spent a bit of time researching the +4 and +442 options, as well as extending my search for an L67 or V8 friendly kit to overseas suppliers (more on that in a moment). But first I really have to ask- just how much time out of the build process does one really save by buying a kit as opposed to building from scratch. Are we talking 50% or is it more like 15?

Also, I found a kit and am wondering what you guys think. It is from a UK based supplier called DAX, who provides a Rover V8 friendly kit called the Rush, at what appears to be a considerably cheaper price point than a Stalker- and with a few added benefits: 1. body parts are pre-painted, 2. there is an optional soft top, and 3. there is a stage 1, a stage 2, etc so the builder can buy as much from the supplier as they like and aren't locked into a set kit. BTW, I have an email off the Stalker to see if their kit must be purchased all together or if they are willing to sell the frame and suspension bits seperately. Will follow through on that when I get a reply.

The main site(check out the Nurbergring video, looks pretty quick):
http://www.daxcars.co.uk/start.htm

A Dax Rush builder's forum:
http://forum.rushowners.co.uk/phpBB2/vi ... 96f105a111

Some track day videos(again, looking pretty darn quick):
http://forum.rushowners.co.uk/phpBB2/vi ... .php?t=383

A nice pic:
http://www.daxcars.co.uk/rush/images/kit_003.jpg

Another with the top on:
http://www.daxcars.co.uk/rush/images/kit_006.jpg

And another:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4296 ... 0003.1.jpg

Is it just me or is the Dax Rush look a bit wider than most kits? I do esp. like the squarish headlamps as opposed to the round. Anyway, I think it looks at least as good as a Stalker which was my favorite until now...

Anyway, has anyone heard of this kit? What are your thoughts on this one?

I think they have a pretty novel front suspension setup that is supposed to work really well. If you can get it cheaper after shipping and what not then I can't blame you for going that direction. Of course if you do buy a kit it would be nice if that money could go to a stateside supplier. However like I said earlier, if it is indeed cheaper and it meets your needs I say go for it.

Sorry, that last link didn't work properly, here goes:

http://theukkitcarblog.blogspot.com/

Personally, I'm starting to love these cars, esp the black and silver example, and the blue with white stripes. Scroll all the way down and you can see a good angle of the blue and white one showing some very nice detail, like the chrome rings on the bonnet surrounding the header holes, and look closely to the nose, there is actually a little spoiler down low. The fully finnished interiors are very nice as well. I'm starting to get the impression that the Brits have been at this a little longer than us

Still looking for any constructive critisism of the Dax, so far it looks perfect.

Edit: Haha, I just realized, I think the black and silver model is simply the kit (remember you get to chose your color of moldings) unpainted. Brilliant!

Don't know anything about the design/quality/etc of the DAX other than it looks good. BUT if you are thinking about the look at these threads http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=399 http://forums.corner-carvers.com/showth ... hlight=dax
and thoroughly evaluate, if nothing esle I would think it would be high maint.

Locostv8,
Thanks for the links. I'll refrain from commenting on the *optional* anti-roll and anti-camber-change features of the Dax until I've done further research. Whether or not it turns out to be a solid option may have no bearing upon my decision however, since it is an option which is factory installed and I doubt that it will fit my budget anyway.

For now I will say that Dax has a very good reputation in the UK where it is produced, and though I sent an email to them 4 days after my queries to Stalker, they were the first to respond, while Stalker has still failed to answer my emails (not a good sign so far!)

I will probably spend another month or so doing research, and probably read both books twice before making my decision on which kit (if a kit at all). I have however found another company, also UK based which provides kits which can be pre bracketed for the Ford V6 and Chevy V8. Very enticing indeed:

http://www.luegosportscars.com/cars/viento/index.html

The research continues,

Jeff

http://halerconcepts.com/english/viento_v8.htm imports Luego stuff to Canada including the Viento. Located in Alberta is not too, too far from you. Not sure of the legality/issues with crossing the US/Canada border but might be worth a look if you go that way. Not cheap but quality is very nice.

I am not a big fan of the Rover V8. It is a light engine, I think converting an MGB from the stock 4 to the Rover V8 saves about 50lbs (engine and trans) but you get around 200hp out of a lightly modified Rover. 250-300 if you really hop it up. At that power point though you are going to be spending some serious money and have an odd ball engine. Why not do the Stalker V6 with a turbo or blower for the same $ in a proven package? Or get a Ford 302 with 300hp for less money and develop your own locost based frame (I guess that was your original question eh...) Sounds like the 442 with the 1x1.5 main frame rails would do the trick.

Both a Turbo Mazda Rotary and an all aluminum Chevy LS1 reportedly weigh in at just under 400 lbs

AW